Remote start system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods

ABSTRACT

The remote start control system may include at least one vehicle device associated with starting an engine of the vehicle, a remote start transmitter, a receiver at the vehicle for receiving signals from the remote start transmitter, and a vehicle remote start controller connected to the data communications bus for communicating with the at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle. The remote start controller is also connected to the receiver and may be responsive to signals from the remote start transmitter. The vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle may include at least one controller, such as the engine management controller or the transmission controller, for example. Alternately, or additionally, the at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle may include at least one vehicle sensor. For example, the vehicle sensor may be one or more of a brake sensor, a transmission sensor, a hood sensor, or an engine speed sensor. The remote start system may also include features to provide compatibility with a number of different vehicles.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/382,245 filed Aug. 25, 1999, which in turn, is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/023,838 filed Feb.13, 1998 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,011,460, which in turn, is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/701,356filed on Aug. 22, 1996 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,551.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This application is related to the field of vehicle control systems and,more particularly, to a remote start system and related methods forvehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle security systems are widely used to deter vehicle theft, preventtheft of valuables from a vehicle, deter vandalism, and to protectvehicle owners and occupants. A typical automobile security system, forexample, includes a central processor or controller connected to aplurality of vehicle sensors. The sensors, for example, may detectopening of the trunk, hood, doors, windows, and also movement of thevehicle or within the vehicle. Ultrasonic and microwave motiondetectors, vibration sensors, sound discriminators, differentialpressure sensors, and switches may be used as sensors. In addition,radar sensors may be used to monitor the area proximate the vehicle.

The controller typically operates to give an alarm indication in theevent of triggering of a vehicle sensor. The alarm indication maytypically be a flashing of the lights and/or the sounding of the vehiclehorn or a siren. In addition, the vehicle fuel supply and/or ignitionpower may be selectively disabled based upon an alarm condition.

A typical security system also includes a receiver associated with thecontroller that cooperates with one or more remote transmitterstypically carried by the user as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 4,383,242 to Sassover et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,215 to Drori.The remote transmitter may be used to arm and disarm the vehiclesecurity system or provide other remote control features from apredetermined range away from the vehicle. Also related to remotecontrol of a vehicle function U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,966 to Lambropoulouset al. discloses a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle. Thekeyless entry system permits the user to remotely open the vehicle doorsor open the vehicle trunk using a small handheld transmitter.

Unfortunately, the majority of vehicle security systems need to bedirectly connected by wires to individual vehicle devices, such as thevehicle horn or door switches of the vehicle. In other words, aconventional vehicle security system is hardwired to various vehiclecomponents, typically by splicing into vehicle wiring harnesses or viainterposing T-harnesses and connectors. The number of electrical devicesin a vehicle has increased so that the size and complexity of wiringharnesses has also increased. For example, the steering wheel mayinclude horn switches, an airbag, turn-signal and headlight switches,wiper controls, cruise control switches, ignition wiring, an emergencyflasher switch, and/or radio controls. Likewise, a door of a vehicle,for example, may include window controls, locks, outside mirrorswitches, and/or door-panel light switches.

In response to the increased wiring complexity and costs, vehiclemanufacturers have begun attempts to reduce the amount of wiring withinvehicles to reduce weight, reduce wire routing problems, decrease costs,and reduce complications which may arise when troubleshooting theelectrical system. For example, some manufacturers have adoptedmultiplexing schemes to reduce cables to three or four wires and tosimplify the exchange of data among the various onboard electronicsystems as disclosed, for example, in “The Thick and Thin of CarCabling” by Thompson appearing in the IEEE Spectrum, February 1996, pp.42-45.

Implementing multiplexing concepts in vehicles in a cost-effective andreliable manner may not be easy. Successful implementation, for example,may require the development of low or error-free communications in whatcan be harsh vehicle environments. With multiplexing technology, thevarious electronic modules or devices may be linked by a single signalwire in a bus also containing a power wire, and one or more groundwires. Digital messages are communicated to all modules over the datacommunications bus. Each message may have one or more addressesassociated with it so that the devices can recognize which messages toignore and which messages to respond to or read.

The Thompson article describes a number of multiplexed networks forvehicles. In particular, the Grand Cherokee made by Chrysler isdescribed as having five multiplex nodes or controllers: the enginecontroller, the temperature controller, the airbag controller, the theftalarm, and the overhead console. Other nodes for different vehicles mayinclude a transmission controller, a trip computer, an instrumentcluster controller, an antilock braking controller, an active suspensioncontroller, and a body controller for devices in the passengercompartment.

A number of patent references are also directed to digital or multiplexcommunications networks or circuits, such as may be used in a vehicle.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,262 Sinniger et al. discloses amultiplex bus system including a master control unit and a plurality ofreceiver-transmitter units connected thereto. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.4,055,772 to Leung discloses a power bus in a vehicle controlled by alow current digitally coded communications system. Other referencesdisclosing various vehicle multiplex control systems include, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,092to Roggendorf et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,783 to Burgess et al.

Several standards have been proposed for vehicle multiplex networksincluding, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers “SurfaceVehicle Standard, Class B Data Communications Network Interface”, SAEJ1850, July 1995. Another report by the SAE is the “Surface VehicleInformation Report, Chrysler Sensor and Control (CSC) Bus MultiplexingNetwork for Class ‘A’ Applications”, SAE J2058, July 1990. Many othernetworks are also being implemented or proposed for communicationsbetween vehicle devices and nodes or controllers.

In addition, to vehicle security and remote keyless entry functions,another type of desirable vehicle remote control function is remotelystarting the vehicle engine when the owner is away from the vehicle.Such remote starting can be used in cold climates to warm the engineand/or run the passenger compartment heater, to thereby prevent freezingor for the user's comfort. Conversely, remote engine starting can enablethe air conditioning to run to cool the vehicle's interior before thevehicle user enters the vehicle.

Unfortunately, conventional vehicle control systems, such as aftermarketremote engine starting systems, are for hardwired connection to vehicledevices and are not readily adaptable to a vehicle including a datacommunications bus. Moreover, remote starting of the engine presentsadditional difficulties compared to some other vehicle controlapplications. This is so because starting the engine may require certainvehicle conditions are correct prior to starting the engine and whilethe engine is running with the vehicle unattended. It may also benecessary for a remote starter system to bypass an immobilizer devicewhich is part of the security system of some vehicles. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 5,612,578 to Drew entitled “Vehicle Engine Start ControlApparatus Including Interface Device Facilitating Installation andRelated Methods” discloses a remote start system which is hardwireconnected via mating plugs for more conveniently bypassing animmobilizer circuit based upon a coded resistance of the ignition key.

A remote starter system may also desirably be able to interface with oneor more vehicle controllers, such as for engine management andtransmission control, for example. In addition, a remote starter system,even if it were adapted for a communications bus and devices for oneparticular model, model year, and manufacturer, may not be compatiblewith any other models, model years, or manufacturers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background it is therefore an object of theinvention to provide a remote start control system and related methodfor a vehicle comprising a data communications bus and at least onevehicle device connected to the data communications bus.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a remote startersystem and associated method wherein the system is adapted to operatewith different vehicles.

These and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a vehicle remote start control systemincluding at least one vehicle device associated with starting an engineof the vehicle, a remote start transmitter, a receiver at the vehiclefor receiving signals from the remote start transmitter, and a vehicleremote start controller. The vehicle remote start controller isconnected to the data communications bus for communicating with the atleast one vehicle device. The remote start controller is also connectedto the receiver, and is responsive to signals from the remote starttransmitter to cause starting of the vehicle.

The at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine ofthe vehicle may comprise at least one controller, such as the enginemanagement controller or the transmission controller, for example.Alternately, or additionally, the at least one vehicle device associatedwith starting the engine of the vehicle may comprise at least onevehicle sensor. For example, the vehicle sensor may be one or more of abrake sensor, a transmission sensor, a hood sensor, or an engine speedsensor.

In some embodiments, the vehicle may also include an engine startercircuit, and a security immobilizer circuit connected to the enginestarter circuit. The security immobilizer circuit is for selectivelyenabling the engine starter, such as in response to a coded key ortransponder. In such embodiments, the remote start controller may bypassthe security immobilizer circuit to enable remote starting.

The remote start transmitter may be a remote handheld transmitter to becarried by a user when away from the vehicle, for example. The remotestart signal may also be supplied via a communications network, such asincluding at least a central station transmitter.

Another aspect of the invention relates to providing compatibility withdifferent vehicle types. The remote start controller may comprise amulti-vehicle compatible remote start controller. The multi-vehiclecompatible remote start controller may generate at least one set ofcommand signals on the data communications bus for the at least onevehicle device. The at least one set of command signals may comprise atleast one working command signal and at least one non-working commandsignal for a given vehicle to thereby provide command compatibility witha plurality of different vehicles.

In addition, for reading communications from the vehicle devices, themulti-vehicle compatible remote start controller may store a set ofdevice codes for a given vehicle device for a plurality of differentvehicles, read a device code from the data communications bus, anddetermine a match between a read device code and the stored device codesto thereby provide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

In another embodiment, the multi-vehicle compatibility may be providedby equipping the remote start controller with a desired signal enablingfunction. This function or feature is for enabling operation using adesired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from aplurality of sets of signals for different vehicles to thereby providecompatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

A method aspect of the invention is for remotely starting a vehicleengine in a vehicle comprising a data communications bus and at leastone vehicle device associated with starting the vehicle engine. Themethod preferably comprises receiving signals at the vehicle from aremote start transmitter, connecting a vehicle remote start controllerto the data communications bus for communicating with the at least onevehicle device, and using the vehicle remote start controller to startthe vehicle engine based upon signals received from the remote starttransmitter and based upon communication over the data communicationsbus with the at least one vehicle device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of a vehicleremote start control system connected to a data communications bus andother hardwired devices in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating processing of command signalsgenerated on the data communications bus in the remote start controlsystem of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating processing of a code readfrom the data communications bus in accordance with a first embodimentof the remote start control system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating processing of a code readfrom the data communications bus in accordance with a second embodimentof the remote start control system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a simplified schematic block diagram of a second embodiment ofa vehicle remote start control system connected to a data communicationsbus in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of a first embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a second embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a third embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a fourth embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of fifth embodiment of a desiredsignal enabling portion of the vehicle remote start control system ofFIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings in which preferred embodiments ofthe invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theillustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Prime and multiple primenotation are used in alternate embodiments to indicate similar elements.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a vehicle remotestart control system 20 for use in a vehicle 21 of a type including adata communication bus 30 is now described. The system 20 includes atleast one vehicle device associated with starting the engine 22 of thevehicle 21, a remote start transmitter 34, a receiver 32 at the vehiclefor receiving signals from the remote start transmitter, and a vehicleremote start controller 25. The vehicle remote start controller 25 isillustratively connected to the data communications bus 30 forcommunicating with the at least one vehicle device. The controller 25 isalso connected to the receiver 32 and is responsive to signals from theremote start transmitter 34 to cause starting of the vehicle.

By remote starting is meant initially starting the vehicle engine 38 andallowing it to idle while unattended by the vehicle owner as will bereadily appreciated by those skilled in the art. As will also beappreciated by those skilled in the art, whether the remote startcontroller 25 will allow the engine 38 to be started and continue toidle may be based upon any of a number of conditions at the vehicle,some representatives examples of which are described in greater detailbelow.

The at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine 38of the vehicle 21 may comprise at least one controller, such as theengine management controller 45 a or the transmission controller 45 c,for example. One or more other controllers 45 b may also be communicatedwith by the remote start controller 25. Alternately, or additionally,the at least one vehicle device associated with starting the engine 38of the vehicle 21 may comprise at least one vehicle sensor 44 a-44 d.For example, the vehicle sensor may be one or more of a brake sensor 44b, a transmission sensor 44 c, a hood sensor 44 a, and an engine speedsensor 44 d. Other similar sensors are also contemplated by the presentinvention.

The remote start controller 25 includes a central processing unit (CPU)36 which may perform the necessary signal processing and logic functionsto control starting and subsequent running or shut-down of the engine 38as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art. For example, theengine 38 may be prevented from starting or shut down if the gear shiftlever is in or moved to a position other than Park. Similarly, theengine may be shut down if the engine RPM exceeds a predetermined value.In addition, the engine starter 29 may only need be operated until theengine RPM indicates that the engine is running. The engine 38 may beprevented from running or shut down if the vehicle hood is open. Manyother vehicle conditions may also be taken into account by the remotestart controller 25 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.Further details regarding logical operation of the remote startcontroller 25 based upon exemplary vehicle device conditions may befound in the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,612,578 to Drew, the entiredisclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Of course, the vehicle 21 would typically include an engine startercircuit 26 as illustrated in the lower righthand portion of FIG. 1. Thestarter circuit 28 may include an ignition switch 28, a starter relay 27connected to the ignition switch and the vehicle battery 24 forsupplying electrical power to the engine starter 29 as will be readilyappreciated by those of skill in the art.

The vehicle 21 may also include the illustrated security immobilizercircuit connected to the engine starter circuit 26. The securityimmobilizer circuit illustratively includes a passive transponder 47carried adjacent the ignition key 48, and reader 46 for powering andreading the coded signal from the transponder as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art. Such an immobilizer circuit may be of aconventional type and needs no further description herein. The remotestart controller 25 includes a hardwired interface 42 connected to theimmobilizer to bypass this circuit when remote starting is desired.Thus, the engine starter circuit 26 may be enabled in response topresentation of the properly coded passive transponder 47 in proximityto the reader 46.

Of course, in other embodiments other types of immobilizer circuits canbe used. The engine ignition could be disabled by the engine managementcontroller 45 a unless a predetermined code from a transponder readerwas generated on the data bus 30, for example. In such a system, a codecould be generated on the data communications bus by the bus interface41 of the remote start controller 25 to effectively bypass such atransponder immobilizer operating over the data communications bus 30 aswould be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art. The businterface 41 includes circuitry for interfacing to the proper signallevels and formats on the data communications bus 30 as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art without further discussionherein.

In another example, the coded resistor key approach described in theDrew patent may also be selectively bypassed by the remote startcontroller 25 to enable remote starting as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art. Other immobilizer circuits and devices may also bereadily bypassed to enable starting.

The remote start transmitter 34 may be a small portable unit including ahousing, function control switches carried by the housing, a batterywithin the housing, and the associated transmitter circuitry. This typeof remote handheld transmitter is commonly used in conventional vehicleremote start systems. The communications from the remote starttransmitter 34 to the receiver 32 at the vehicle is typically a directradio frequency link, that is, there is no intervening communicationslinks. However, in other embodiments, the remote start transmitter 34may indirectly communicate with the receiver 32 via other communicationsinfrastructure, such as via satellite, or cellular communications, viathe public switched telephone network (PSTN) and/or over the world wideweb or Internet, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The remote start transmitter 34 may also include one or more centralstation transmitters, such as may be provided by a satellite transmitteror cellular telephone transmitter, for example. Such a central stationtransmitter may also be connected to other communicationsinfrastructure.

In some embodiments, the system 20 may optionally include a remotereceiver (not shown) in the form of a small handheld device to becarried by the user or at least one central station receiver cooperatingwith a transmitter (not shown) at the vehicle, such as to provide statusinformation to the user relating to the remote starting.

In the illustrated system 20, various sensors 44 a-44 d are shownconnected to the data bus 30 and which are communicated to and from viathe bus interface 41. However, in other embodiments, one or more ofthese sensors could be directly connected to the hardwire interface 42.This also applies to the various controllers 45 a-45 c which may alsohave hardwire interfaces themselves for certain signals or functions aswill be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The remote start controller 25 also includes one or more memories 40 a,40 b connected to the CPU 36. Although the memories 40 a, 40 b areillustrated as separate devices, those of skill in the art willrecognize that the memories may be combined in a single device orembedded on the same integrated circuit as the processing circuitry ofthe CPU.

Another aspect of the invention relates to providing compatibility withdifferent vehicle types. As will now be described, the remote startcontroller 25 may include features such that it can be considered amulti-vehicle compatible remote start controller. The remote startcontroller 25 incorporating these optional features may generate atleast one set of command signals on the data communications bus 30 forat least one vehicle device. The at least one set of command signals maycomprise at least one working command signal and at least onenon-working command signal for a given vehicle to thereby providecommand compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

In addition, for reading communications from the vehicle devices, theremote start controller 25 may store a set of device codes for a givenvehicle device for a plurality of different vehicles, read a device codefrom the data communications bus 30, and determine a match between aread device code and the stored device codes to thereby providecompatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

The vehicle 21 includes a number of electrical/electronic devices 44a-44 d and 45 a-45 c that can be controlled and/or the status thereofread via the data communications bus 30. The remote start controller 25may provide its multi-vehicle compatibility in one or both directions ofcommunications via the data communications bus 30. Referring nowadditionally to FIG. 2, the drive or generation of signals on the databus portion of communication is now further described. The remote startcontroller 25 illustratively includes a command signal memory 40 a, andthe bus interface 41 which can provide both directions ofcommunications.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, the remote startcontroller 25 preferably generates at least one set of command signalson the data communications bus 30 for the at least one vehicle device.The at least one set of command signals preferably comprises at leastone working command signal and at least one non-working command signalfor a given vehicle to thereby provide compatibility with the pluralityof different vehicles. In other words, multiple signals or codes can begenerated on the data communications bus 30, and only that code for thegiven vehicle and device will cause an operation or response from thevehicle device. This provides for a relatively simple andstraightforward approach to interface or cooperate with a vehicle havinga data communications bus 30, and wherein the remote start controller 25is advantageously compatible with a number of different vehicles. Sincetypically it may be desired to interface to a plurality of vehicledevices, the remote start controller 25 may generate a respective set ofcommand signals for each of the vehicle devices.

Such multi-vehicle compatibility provided by the remote start controller25 is especially advantageous in after-market remote start systems. Theability to interface through the data communications bus 30 alsosignificantly reduces the wiring complexity needed to interface to theassociated vehicle devices.

The remote start controller 25 may sequentially generate the differentcommand signals (working and non-working) for an intended vehicledevice. To ensure effective communications even in the presence ofnoise, for example, the remote start controller 25 may generate the setof command signals a plurality of times, such as, for example, two tofive times. The need to effectively communicate should be balancedagainst possible traffic congestion on the data bus 30 as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Referring now more specifically to the diagram of FIG. 2, the operationof the remote start controller 25 is further described. The controller25 may operate by arranging in the command signals memory 40 a a commontable 50 as shown. The CPU 36 upon determining that an action needs tobe performed, such as activating the starter relay 27, for example,would identify the appropriate column from the table 50 from among thecolumns labeled “vehicle device A” to “vehicle device Z”. For example,the appropriate column may be “vehicle device B”, in which case the CPUwould then read the memory locations in this column to generate on thebus 30 the appropriate set of codes to operate the starter relay foreach of the N vehicles with which the remote start controller 25 iscompatible. Of course, only one of the codes would be a working code,and the other codes would cause no vehicle function to be performed. Forexample, if vehicle 21 was the vehicle in which the remote startcontroller 25 were installed, only the code 2B would cause the starterrelay to operate.

The actual coded signals would be compatible with the particular datacommunications bus 30 as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart. The codes may be binary codes, which for convenience can berepresented more simply by corresponding hexadecimal codes as would alsobe appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, for an unlockall vehicle doors to be commanded in a 1995 Jeep Grand Cherokee, thecode may be 03868004, for a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee, the code may be0422A00400. As will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art,such codes can be obtained from the manufacturers directly, or may beread from the data bus 30 using any one of a number of commerciallyavailable diagnostic tools for reading the data bus 30, for example.

The set of command signals may be repeated as mentioned above, and asschematically illustrated at the lower portion of the table 50. Ofcourse, the memory 40 a may store the actual codes, but may also storedata enabling generation of the set of command signals by the CPU 36.This may be particularly so where certain portions of the code, e.g.preamble, or some other portion, are common across either multiplevehicles, and/or over multiple vehicle devices.

The number of vehicles and number of devices to be controlled using themulti-vehicle compatibility of the remote start controller 25 can bothbe relatively large to cover a substantial portion of the vehiclemarketplace. Alternatively, the multiple command signal concept may alsobe advantageously used to provide compatibility for as few as twovehicles, and even a single vehicle device.

Turning now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the other direction of communication isdescribed. In particular, the reverse direction or reading of signalsfrom the data communications bus 30 is now described. Many of thecomponents are the same as those described above, and, hence, need nofurther description. In the illustrated embodiment, the CPU 36 isconnected to a code look-up memory 40 b.

The compatibility to read a code and determine the message or contentthereof for a vehicle device from among a plurality of vehicles can beused alone or in combination with the compatibility for writing orgenerating signals on the bus described above. More particularly, theremote start controller 25″ is for storing a set of device codes for agiven vehicle device for a plurality of different vehicles, for readinga device code from the data communications bus 30, and for determining amatch between a read device code and the stored device codes to therebyprovide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles. Such anarrangement provides for a relatively simple and straightforwardapproach to interface with a vehicle having a data communications bus30.

The remote start controller 25 may comprise the code look-up memory 40 bfor the stored device codes, and the processor or CPU 36 cooperatingwith the memory for determining the match between the read device codeand the stored device codes. The at least one vehicle device may includea plurality of vehicle devices, and, accordingly, the memory 40 b of themulti-vehicle compatible controller 25 preferably stores a respectiveset of device codes for each of the plurality of vehicle devices.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 3, the look-up table feature ofthe remote start controller 25 is now described. A common table 60 maybe created which contains a column for the vehicle codes in somepredefined sequence, such as in a numerical order beginning with a firstcode, Code 1, and ending with a last code, Code N, as illustrated. Thecentral column in the illustrated embodiment includes the correspondingvehicle identification with the vehicles extending from a first vehicle,Vehicle A, to a last vehicle, Vehicle Z. The number of codes andvehicles may be selected so that a given remote start controller 25 isuseable across an economically large number of vehicles as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

The last or rightmost column in the illustrated table 60 is the devicedata or message corresponding to the associated vehicle and code. Thesedevice messages extend from a first message, DM_(1A), to a last devicemessage, DM_(NZ). The messages may be of many different types, such asdriver door open or closed, hood open or closed, shock sensor triggered,brake pressure indicated, gearshift selector in Park, etc. as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

By way of example, the common table 60 includes a blocked rowschematically illustrating a match for a Code 572. This code is for aFord Taurus and indicates that the driver's door is open. This type ofdata may be useful for remote starting. The CPU 36 would read the codeon the data bus 30 and compare the code against the stored codes todetermine a match. The CPU 36 is likely to buffer some or all of a codewhen received to subsequently be compared using the table 60 as will beunderstood by those skilled in the art. In other embodiments, individualbits or blocks thereof may be compared as they are received.

An alternate embodiment of the common table 60 is now explained withreference to FIG. 4. In this case the overall or common table 60′, maybe considered parsed or divided into a plurality of vehicle tablesections. The first table section is for vehicle A, and the last forvehicle Z in the illustrated embodiment. This embodiment alsoillustrates the driver door for the Ford Taurus as being matched fromthe read signal from the data communications bus 30. What is of interestin this embodiment, is that upon initial set-up or an initial learningperiod, only the codes for the learned vehicle need then later becompared to the read code. Accordingly, a time savings may be realized.

Those of skill in the art will recognize that the tables 60 and 60′ ofFIGS. 3 and 4 are exemplary illustrations from among many possibleconfigurations of look-up tables that may be used in accordance with thepresent invention. Other configurations are also contemplated by thepresent invention.

Since it may also be desirable to re-install remote start controller 25in another vehicle, the controller may be reset and another vehiclelearned or configured during an initial set-up. This concept isgenerally described as an embodiment of a desired signal enablingfunction or feature in related parent U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/382,245 filed Aug. 25, 1999, which in turn, is a continuation of U.S.Pat. No. 6,011,460, which in turn, is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Pat. No. 5,719,551, and the disclosure of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

This desired signal enabling is further described below with referenceto FIGS. 5-10. The multi-vehicle compatibility may be provided byequipping a remote start controller 55 with a desired signal enablingfunction 57. This function or feature is for enabling operation using adesired set of signals for a corresponding desired vehicle from aplurality of sets of signals for different vehicles to thereby providecompatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.

The remote start system 55 does not show or necessarily include thehardwire interface described above. Rather, in this embodiment, theremote start function is implemented by the remote start controller 55via communication with the engine management controller 45 a which, inturn, is directly connected to the starter relay 27.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 6 a first embodiment of the desiredsignal enabling means 57 is described. The signal enabling means 57 isfor enabling the remote start controller 55 to operate using a desiredset of signals for a desired vehicle from among a plurality of possiblesets of signals for different vehicles. As would be readily understoodby those skilled in the art, the term different vehicles may includevehicles from different manufacturers, different models, or evendifferent trim levels of the same make and model. Accordingly, thedesired signal enabling means 57 permits the remote start controller 55,that is, the CPU 36 and bus interface 41, to communicate with thevehicle sensor 44, engine management controller 45 a or other vehicledevice via the data communications bus 30 so that the CPU is capable ofstarting the vehicle engine 38 responsive to the receiver 32 receiving aremote start signal from the remote transmitter 34.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, one embodiment of the desired signal enablingmeans 57 may preferably include a memory 70 for storing a plurality ofsets 72 a, 72 b and 72 n of signals for different vehicles, andselecting means for selecting the desired set of signals from theplurality of different sets of signals for different vehicles. Bystoring sets of signals is meant storing information or data necessaryto generate the desired signals on the data bus 30 as would be readilyunderstood by those skilled in the art. The memory 70 may include deviceaddress memory means for storing a plurality of different sets ofsignals representative of different device addresses for differentvehicles. Alternatively, or in addition thereto, the memory means maycomprise protocol memory means for storing a plurality of differentprotocols for different vehicles.

In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 6, the selecting means maycomprise user selecting means 75 for permitting a user to select thedesired set of signals. A keypad or other input means may be used topermit the user to select the desired signal set for his vehicle. Avalet switch or other control switch, such as on the remote startcontroller, for example, may also be operated by the user to select thedesired signal set. The user may select the desired set of signals byentering a unique digital code similar to the selection of signals for ahome electronics universal remote control. Other techniques forpermitting the user to select the desired signal set from a plurality ofstored sets are also contemplated by the invention as would be readilyappreciated by those skilled in the art.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 7 another embodiment of the desiredsignal enabling means 57′ is described in accordance with the remotestart controller 55′ of the present invention. In this embodiment, theselecting means may comprise bus determining means 77 for determiningthe desired set of signals based upon signals on the data communicationsbus. For example, the bus determining means could determine the desiredset of signals based upon sensed voltage levels or based upon the timingof signal pulses on the data communications bus 30. The other componentsof this embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 57′ are similarto those described above with reference to FIG. 6 and need no furtherdescription.

Yet another embodiment of the security system 55″ according to theinvention is explained with reference to FIG. 8. In this illustratedembodiment the desired signal enabling means 57″ includes a desiredsignal set memory 81 operatively connected to the illustrated buslearning means 80. The bus learning means 80 may determine and store inthe signal set memory 81 the protocol and/or device addresses for thevehicle devices. For example, the bus learning means 80 may permit theuser to operate various vehicle devices and store a desired signal setbased thereon as would be readily understood by those skilled in theart. The other components of the desired signal enabling means 57″ aresimilar to those described above with reference to FIG. 6 and need nofurther description.

Still another embodiment of the desired signal enabling means 57′″ isexplained with reference to FIG. 9. The desired signal enabling means57′″ includes a signal set memory 81 operatively connected to theschematically illustrated download learning means 84. The downloadlearning means 84 may include an interface connected to the illustratedvehicle cellular telephone 86 to permit learning or downloading of thedesired signal set from a remote or central monitoring and controlstation 88, for example. The desired signal set may also alternately belearned from the central station 88 through the satellite link providedby the satellite 110 and vehicle mounted satellite receiver 111 andassociated antennas. As would be readily understood by those skilled inthe art, the download learning means, as well as the other desiredsignal enabling means may be implemented by software in the CPU of theremote start controller 55′″ or in a separate microprocessor orcircuits.

Turning now additionally to FIG. 10, yet another variation ofprogramming, learning or downloading of the download learning means 84is explained. In this variation the download learning means 84 istemporarily connected to a computer, such as the illustrated portablelaptop computer 115. The connection, may be via a wire cable or wirelesscommunications link as will be readily understood by those skilled inthe art. Of course, the desired signal enabling means 57″″ in thisembodiment may be programmed in the vehicle or prior to installation inthe vehicle.

Returning now again to FIG. 1, we again revisit the command signalconcept for driving the communications bus 30 with a plurality of signalcodes to provide the multi-vehicle compatibility. In another embodiment,the remote start controller 25 could be segmented or divided into twosections or portions. More particularly, the multi-vehicle compatibilitymay be provided by a multi-vehicle compatible adaptor which wouldinclude the CPU 36, the command signal memory 40 a, and optionally thebus interface 41. The adaptor may also include its own housing. As willbe appreciated by those skilled in the art, one scenario where such anadaptor approach may be especially useful is to adapt a conventionalremote start controller to operate via the data communications bus 30.Since the data bus technology is being slowly phased in by automobilemanufacturers, suppliers may provide their conventional remote startsystems for conventional vehicles, and add such an adaptor with theconventional controller when the vehicle requires interface to the datacommunications bus 30. The conventional controller may be provided by aconventional remote start controller, or could be an auxiliary outputfrom a vehicle security controller, for example, as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

Similar concepts can also be extended to a multi-vehicle compatibleadaptor for the other direction of communication, that is, from the datacommunications bus 30 to one or more vehicle devices. Such an adaptorwould include the code look-up memory 40 b as described above. Moreover,the operation of such a multi-vehicle compatible adaptor will be readilyunderstood by those of skill in the art based upon the above provideddescriptions relating to FIGS. 1-3 without requiring further discussionherein. Of course, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,such adaptors may be used independently, may be used together, or may becombined into a single unit.

A method aspect of the invention is for remotely starting a vehicleengine 38 in a vehicle 21 comprising a data communications bus 30 and atleast one vehicle device 44 a-44 d and 45 a-45 c associated withstarting the vehicle engine. The method preferably comprises receivingsignals at the vehicle from a remote start transmitter 34, connecting avehicle remote start controller 25 to the data communications bus 30 forcommunicating with the at least one vehicle device, and using thevehicle remote start controller to start the vehicle engine 38 basedupon signals received from the remote start transmitter and based uponcommunication over the data communications bus with the at least onevehicle device.

Other features relating to vehicle control systems are disclosed incopending patent applications Ser. No. 09/583,332 entitled“MULTI-VEHICLE COMPATIBLE CONTROL SYSTEM GENERATING COMMAND SIGNALS ON ADATA BUS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS” and Ser. No. 09/583,257 “MULTI-VEHICLECOMPATIBLE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR READING FROM A DATA BUS AND ASSOCIATEDMETHODS” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Accordingly, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe embodiments disclosed, and that other modifications and embodimentsare intended to be included within the spirit and scope of the appendedclaims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A remote start control system for a vehiclecomprising a data communications bus extending within the vehicle, and aplurality of vehicle devices communicating with one another over thedata communications bus, the plurality of vehicle devices comprising atleast one vehicle device associated with starting an engine of thevehicle, the remote start control system comprising: a remote starttransmitter; a receiver to be positioned at the vehicle for receivingsignals from said remote start transmitter; and a vehicle remote startcontroller to be connected to the data communications bus extendingwithin the vehicle for communication thereover with the at least onevehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehicle, saidvehicle remote start controller also connected to said receiver andbeing responsive to signals from said remote start transmitter.
 2. Aremote start control system according to claim 1 wherein the at leastone vehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehiclecomprises at least one controller.
 3. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 2 wherein the at least one controller comprises atleast one of an engine management controller, and a transmissioncontroller.
 4. A remote start control system according to claim 1wherein the at least one vehicle device associated with starting theengine of the vehicle comprises at least one vehicle sensor.
 5. A remotestart control system according to claim 1 wherein the at least onevehicle sensor comprises at least one of a brake sensor, a transmissionsensor, a hood sensor, and an engine speed sensor.
 6. A remote startcontrol system according to claim 1 wherein the vehicle furthercomprises an engine starter circuit, and a security immobilizer circuitconnected to the engine starter circuit for selectively enabling theengine starter; and wherein said remote start controller bypasses thesecurity immobilizer circuit to enable remote starting.
 7. A remotestart control system according to claim 1 wherein said remote starttransmitter comprises a remote handheld transmitter to be carried by auser when away from the vehicle.
 8. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said remote start transmitter comprises atleast a central station transmitter.
 9. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 1 wherein said remote start controller comprises amulti-vehicle compatible remote start controller.
 10. A remote startcontrol system according to claim 9 wherein said multi-vehiclecompatible remote start controller generates at least one set of commandsignals on the data communications bus for the at least one vehicledevice; and wherein the at least one set of command signals comprises atleast one working command signal and at least one non-working commandsignal for a given vehicle to thereby provide command compatibility witha plurality of different vehicles.
 11. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 9 wherein said multi-vehicle compatible remote startcontroller stores a set of device codes for a given vehicle device for aplurality of different vehicles, reads a device code from the datacommunications bus, and determines a match between a read device codeand the stored device codes to thereby provide compatibility with aplurality of different vehicles.
 12. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 9 wherein said multi-vehicle compatible remote startcontroller comprises desired signal enabling means for enablingoperation using a desired set of signals for a corresponding desiredvehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles tothereby provide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.13. A remote start control system for a vehicle comprising a datacommunications bus extending within the vehicle, and a plurality ofvehicle devices communicating with one another over the datacommunications bus, the plurality of vehicle devices comprising at leastone vehicle sensor associated with starting an engine of the vehicle,the remote start control system comprising: a remote start transmitter;a receiver to be positioned at the vehicle for receiving signals fromsaid remote start transmitter; and a vehicle remote start controller tobe connected to the data communications bus extending within the vehiclefor communication thereover with the at least one vehicle sensorassociated with starting the engine of the vehicle, said vehicle remotestart controller also connected to said receiver and being responsive tosignals from said remote start transmitter.
 14. A remote start controlsystem according to claim 13 wherein the at least one vehicle sensorcomprises a brake sensor.
 15. A remote start control system according toclaim 13 wherein the at least one vehicle sensor comprises atransmission sensor.
 16. A remote start control system according toclaim 13 wherein the at least one vehicle sensor comprises a hoodsensor.
 17. A remote start control system according to claim 13 whereinthe at least one vehicle sensor comprises an engine speed sensor.
 18. Aremote start control system according to claim 13 wherein the vehiclefurther comprises an engine starter circuit, and a security immobilizercircuit connected to the engine starter circuit for selectively enablingthe engine starter; and wherein said remote start controller bypassesthe security immobilizer circuit to enable remote starting.
 19. A remotestart control system according to claim 13 wherein said remote starttransmitter comprises a remote handheld transmitter to be carried by auser when away from the vehicle.
 20. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 13 wherein said remote start transmitter comprises atleast a central station transmitter.
 21. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 13 wherein said remote start controller comprises amulti-vehicle compatible remote start controller.
 22. A remote startcontrol system according to claim 21 wherein said multi-vehiclecompatible remote start controller generates at least one set of commandsignals on the data communications bus for the at least one vehicledevice; and wherein the at least one set of command signals comprises atleast one working command signal and at least one non-working commandsignal for a given vehicle to thereby provide command compatibility witha plurality of different vehicles.
 23. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 21 wherein said multi-vehicle compatible remote startcontroller stores a set of device codes for a given vehicle device for aplurality of different vehicles, reads a device code from the datacommunications bus, and determines a match between a read device codeand the stored device codes to thereby provide compatibility with aplurality of different vehicles.
 24. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 21 wherein said multi-vehicle compatible remote startcontroller comprises desired signal enabling means for enablingoperation using a desired set of signals for a corresponding desiredvehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles tothereby provide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.25. A remote start control system for a vehicle comprising a datacommunications bus extending within the vehicle, and a plurality ofvehicle devices communicating with one another over the datacommunications bus, the plurality of vehicle devices comprising at leastone vehicle controller associated with starting an engine of thevehicle, the remote start control system comprising: a remote starttransmitter; a receiver to be positioned at the vehicle for receivingsignals from said remote start transmitter; and a vehicle remote startcontroller to be connected to the data communications bus extendingthrough the vehicle for communicating thereover with the at least onevehicle controller associated with starting the engine of the vehicle,said vehicle remote start controller also connected to said receiver andbeing responsive to signals from said remote start transmitter.
 26. Aremote start control system according to claim 25 wherein the at leastone vehicle controller comprises an engine management controller.
 27. Aremote start control system according to claim 25 wherein the at leastone vehicle controller comprises a transmission controller.
 28. A remotestart control system according to claim 25 wherein the vehicle furthercomprises an engine starter circuit, and a security immobilizer circuitconnected to the engine starter circuit for selectively enabling theengine starter; and wherein said remote start controller bypasses thesecurity immobilizer circuit to enable remote starting.
 29. A remotestart control system according to claim 25 wherein said remote starttransmitter comprises a remote handheld transmitter to be carried by auser when away from the vehicle.
 30. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 25 wherein said remote start transmitter comprises atleast a central station transmitter.
 31. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 25 wherein said remote start controller comprises amulti-vehicle compatible remote start controller.
 32. A remote startcontrol system according to claim 31 wherein said multi-vehiclecompatible remote start controller generates at least one set of commandsignals on the data communications bus for the at least one vehicledevice; and wherein the at least one set of command signals comprises atleast one working command signal and at least one non-working commandsignal for a given vehicle to thereby provide command compatibility witha plurality of different vehicles.
 33. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 31 wherein said multi-vehicle compatible remote startcontroller stores a set of device codes for a given vehicle device for aplurality of different vehicles, reads a device code from the datacommunications bus, and determines a match between a read device codeand the stored device codes to thereby provide compatibility with aplurality of different vehicles.
 34. A remote start control systemaccording to claim 31 wherein said multi-vehicle compatible remote startcontroller comprises desired signal enabling means for enablingoperation using a desired set of signals for a corresponding desiredvehicle from a plurality of sets of signals for different vehicles tothereby provide compatibility with a plurality of different vehicles.35. A method for remotely starting an engine in a vehicle comprising adata communications bus extending within the vehicle, and a plurality ofvehicle devices communicating with one another over the datacommunications bus, the plurality of vehicle devices comprising at leastone vehicle device associated with starting an engine of the vehicle,the method comprising: receiving signals at the vehicle from a remotestart transmitter; connecting a vehicle remote start controller to thedata communications bus extending within the vehicle for communicationthereover with the at least one vehicle device associated with startingthe engine of the vehicle; and using the vehicle remote start controllerto start the vehicle engine based upon signals received at the vehiclefrom the remote start transmitter and based upon communication over thedata communications bus with the at least one vehicle device associatedwith starting the engine of the vehicle.
 36. A method according to claim35 wherein the at least one vehicle device associated with starting theengine of the vehicle comprises at least one controller.
 37. A methodaccording to claim 36 wherein the at least one controller comprises atleast one of an engine management controller, and a transmissioncontroller.
 38. A method according to claim 35 wherein the at least onevehicle device associated with starting the engine of the vehiclecomprises at least one vehicle sensor.
 39. A method according to claim38 wherein the at least one vehicle sensor comprises at least one of abrake sensor, a transmission sensor, a hood sensor, and an engine speedsensor.
 40. A method according to claim 35 wherein the vehicle furthercomprises an engine starter circuit, and a security immobilizer circuitconnected to the engine starter circuit for selectively enabling theengine starter; and further comprising using the remote start controllerto bypass the security immobilizer circuit to enable remote starting.41. A method according to claim 35 wherein the remote start transmittercomprises a remote handheld transmitter to be carried by a user whenaway from the vehicle.
 42. A method according to claim 35 wherein theremote start transmitter comprises at least a central stationtransmitter.
 43. A method according to claim 35 wherein the remote startcontroller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible remote start controller.